Stereotype-block



(No Model.)

B. E. PRATT. STBREOTYPE BLOCK No; 284,757. Patented Sept. 11; 1883.

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EDWIN a. PRATT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR To A. N. KELLOGG NEWSPAPER COMPANY, OF ILLINOIS.

STEREOTYPE-BLOCK.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 284,757, dated September 11, 1883.

' Application filed April 30, 1883. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, EDWIN E. PRATT, .a citizen of the United States, residing in Ohicago, in thecounty of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Stereotypes, of which the following is a specification. 4

It is now customary to cast stereotypeplates upon wood blocks as a backing, and to secure them together by grooving or reoessing the tops of the blocks, so the metal will flow thereinto when the casting is done. It has,.never been usual, however, to cast stereotypes upon independent separate blocks. In my present improvement I unite narrow strips or separate independent blocks, so that they may form the backing for a wide plate by means of the plate itself, which is cast upon them and in such manner that the backs may be as well formed of small stuff as'of in tegral pieces. 7

The invention consists in a stereotype-plate I united to two or more separate and independent blocks by providing each of the blocks with suitable recesses or grooves, into which the metal of the plate will flow at the time of casting the plate, substantially as hereinafter set forth.

In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification, Figure 1 shows an edge view of a plate united to a backing composed of three blocks in accordance with my invention. Fig. 2 is an edge view of the blocks, showing the form of the grooves or recesses therein. Figs. 3, 4., and 5 show some modifications of the form of the fastenings.

In said drawings, A represents the stereotype plate, which may be of any dimensions required. B B and B are the separate blocks which make up the backing for said plate. At their adjacent edges these blocks are provided with horizontal grooves or recesses b, and one or both of them is cut away, as at b, to provide a passage for the metal into the horizontal groove or recess 1). When brought together, these grooves and passage form a T, of which one horizontal limb is in one block and the other limb is in the adjacent block. It will be readily understood that when the metal is poured in upon the blocks it will flow into this T-cavity, and not only fasten the plate to the blocks, but also fasten the blocks to each other.

Instead of the cavity, an L or a V or a Y shaped one-may be employed, as illustrated in Fig. 3. If further attachment than that afforded by the forked fastenings lying. partly in each block is desired, such further attachment may be obtained in various ways. Thus the horizontal recess may be enlarged or inclined within the limits of the'outside blocks; or an additional recess, b may be formed therein. I recommend the latter mode, because such recess is easily formed in the block and .permits the ready removal of the metal when the block has performed its duty.

In the modifications shown in Figs. 4 and 5 the fastenings are located wholly within the respective blocks, and may be straight and vertical or inclined.

All the recesses I have shown may be made by passing the block over a circular saw; but if the grooved form thereof is deemed objectionable, the cavities may be made in detached portions distributed along the blocks or joints.

My invention permits the use of very small stuff for the backs, without other union than that afforded by the plate with which they are used, and thereby greatly economizes the cost of the wood. It also prevents in great measure injury from the shrinkage and the curling and warping which attends the use of wide or large boards.

I claim 1. The stereotype-plate provided with a wood backing consisting of twoor more independent blocks united by the metal of the plate, substantially as specified.

2. The stereotype-plate provided with a wood backing consisting of independent blocks united to the plate and directly to each other by fastenings located at the joints between the blocks, substantially as specified.

k EDWVIN E. PRATT.

' Vitnesses:

H. M. MUNDAY, T. EVERETT BROWN. 

